Peter asks us to take a stand and rise up

Dear Metro,

On Thursday evening, I spent about two hours connecting with my soul mate who is an officer for the LAPD. We had an honest conversation about the issues that our nation is facing regarding police brutality, and he helped me to grow in understanding from a law enforcement perspective. Nonetheless, we both felt very strongly that the excessive force that some officers use is inexcusable.

I have been processing my emotions closely this week and I realize how easy it is to get angry over innocent lives being taken in Baton Rouge, Minnesota, and Dallas. None of this is right, but I want to caution you to resist the temptation to hate. Anger is good as long as it does not lead to hate. In our own human nature, we have a natural tendency to divide, rather than unify. Of course Satan plays a role in this, but it is plain human nature. We must resist the temptation to hate people, ethnic groups, and law enforcement.

I am asking you to take a stand and rise up so that we can bring reconciliation and healing in our land. Here are some things you can do:

1. Listen to the stories of African Americans. I want to encourage you to get together with African Americans in our church and listen to their stories. I hope you will have a chance to share yours as well. My desire is that we will grow in greater solidarity through our brokenness. If you are an introvert and this is difficult for you, please feel free to email me and I will make sure to connect you with someone.

2. Fast and pray this coming Wednesday, July 13th. Our superintendent, Howard Burgoyne is asking all Covenant churches in our conference to fast and pray this coming Wednesday for healing and reconciliation.

3. Attend this Wednesday's prayer service. We are in the works with partnering with other churches for a powerful prayer service this coming Wednesday. So please mark this on your calendar. We will send out more information as it becomes available.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says: "if my people, who care called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Partners, it is time we come together and pray for God's healing in our country.